Doha: The European Commission has recommended visa waivers for Qatari nationals traveling to EU countries. With the approval of the proposal by the EU Parliament and the Council, citizens from Qatar and Kuwait will be able to travel to EU countries without a visa. Visa on Arrival will be available for biometric passport holders. Visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Those arriving for business purposes can stay for up to 180 days.
The commission’s recommendation is based on a number of criteria, including random immigration, public policy and security, economic efficiency, and the relationship between countries and members of the European Union. Once the visa waiver comes into effect, citizens of Qatar and Kuwait will be able to visit all European countries except Ireland, the Schengen member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Joseph Boral, Vice President of the European Commission, said that the visa waiver was granted to Kuwaiti and Qatari nationals as part of a drive to facilitate travel to the European Union from across the region. The aim is to ensure regional cooperation with all GCC countries and to establish visa-free travel. He said the move would strengthen cooperation and strengthen ties between the GCC countries and the European Union in various fields. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the recommendation of the European Commission.
